The Davenport City Tournament

5/27/07: At the Westhampton Courts on the tranquil University of Richmond campus, Keri Nimitz handed out trophies to Champions and Finalists in Boys 12s and Girls 14s on Sunday morning. In Girls 14s, the match between Ankita Sridhar and Logan Eldridge lasted nearly 2 1/2 hours. Logan only looked so pleased when holding her Champion's trophy --"Yes, I'm happy --- I'm just hot," she admitted.

It may be a novice level tournament, but keep in mind that Eric Smith won the Boys 14s L6 here last year. This year Smith played #1 for Atlee. Novice players have just not accumulated USTA ranking points in the system - so there can be a wide range of abilities in novice matches.

At the Gazebo, Elizabeth Addison helped check in players. Addison, the Dominion District Champion, is playing in Girls 18 doubles with Jessica Armes (#1 at Collegiate). Stonehenge pro Chris Suttmiller was inside the Gazebo, encouraging some of the kids he works with at his club. "The kids appreciate that so much," said Nimitz.

Chris James was playing Josh Huizenga on the lower courts. Sometimes you just can't seem to pull anybody new in the draw.... Chris and Josh met each other two weeks ago when the two met with their moms in the Mother-Son division of the City tourney. Last week, they faced each other again in the first round of the Dominion Club L5. And here again, they were playing in the semifinal round. Chris plays for Midlothian; Josh plays at Trinity.

Keri Nimitz just keeps busy, busy - setting up the scorekeepers, running lunch to officials, talking to players. The RTA is fortunate to have dedicated volunteers to help run the tournaments. Keri is looking for "new blood" to help with tournaments and projects for juniors. If you are willing to jump in with both feet, your help is wanted! It's a great way to meet a very talented, respectful and fun group of juniors (and parents) from all over the city.

"I'd like for this tournament to really be a kick-off of sorts for juniors," she said. "Where it's still very competitive, but with a big focus on the fun." Maybe someone grilling hamburgers, vendors, tables with camp information - stuff like that. Sound good to you? Help us by giving us your ideas!

Logan Eldridge and Ankita Sridhar. Logan is in 6th grade at Short Pump Middle School. Ankita is in the 8th grade at Moody Middle. She'll attend Henrico High School.

Anjelica Esteves and Christine Abbott prepare to take the court for a match that proved to be quite exciting. Anjelica - who attends Swift Creek Middle School-- was last year's City Champion in Girls 12s, but Christine --another Midlothian resident-- won the first round match.

Brett James & Alex Yachinin. Alex moved to Richmond from Jupiter, FL in middle school and now plays for Mills Godwin. Brett was a starting pitcher on the Midlothian JV baseball team in 8th & 9th grade before deciding to try out for the tennis team. "It just looked like fun."

Hunter Blair and Tyler Harris drew each other in the first round. They are team-mates at St. Catherine's. Hunter and her dad, Chris, were Father-Daughter City Champions for the second year in a row in the family division of the City tournament held earlier this month. Tyler was a finalist in Girls 18s in the 2006 City tournament.

Taking a break from the heat....Anjelica Esteves and Christine Abbott find shade at the end of the court as temperatures reached the low 90s with high humidity.

Caroline Mosberg, seeded third in Girls 12s, checks in

USTA officials John Royster (left) and Jim DeNoon are fixtures on the Byrd Park Courts. DeNoon recalled when there were 128 boys in the draw in the 16 year old division - back in the 60s. "We didn't have officials then - Sam Woods took care of it all."

Dylan Moon and Michael Armstrong in Boys 16s.
Moon is seeded third. He attends Collegiate.

Brittany, Elizabeth Stone and Hannah Koontz

Garrett Kellner, seeded #1 in Boys 16s, with Elyse Anderson. Elyse and Garrett play for Midlothian High School. Garrett trains at ACAC, and Elyse is a member of Robious. Midlothian had several players in the City tournament this year.

Ashleigh and Allison Thomas. The sisters played singles then partnered in Girls 14 doubles to take on #1 seeds Emily Hahn and Callie Whitlock.

Will, Bill and Jack Carli. Will and Jack played in the junior city tourney then watched their Dad play Mens Doubles in the 40s Hardcourt Championships at CCV.